Paul Puehler.com

Sheriff Jake Giles was warned that Paul V. Hadley and his wife were plotting to take his life.

Charles Swartz, a Muskogee oil man who rode down from Kansas City to Muskogee on the train with Sheriff Giles and his prisoner,

advised the sheriff to handcuff Hadley. But Giles only laughed and said, why, I've known that man for

years, it would humiliate him to handcuff him. He would not betray his old friend. Schwartz said, quote, I got on the train in Kansas City

and rode in the same car with Sheriff Giles. We sat in the same seat and began talking.

Giles was a fine man. He told me all about the prisoner, what he was charged with and about his sensational

escape from Texas. I also talked with Hadley, who told me he had been twice married. He said

that he and his wife had separated and became reconciled a month ago. The sheriff and I sat on one side of the car and Hadley and his wife across the aisle.

The Hadley's all the way strove to get behind the sheriff.

They took the seat at the end of the car and Giles and I sat across the aisle a few seats in front.

The Hadley's acted rather queer and seemed to be working for

some strategic advantage. Giles had confidence in them, but I did not trust them. I told Giles he

had better watch that man. He laughed and said that he had known them for years and that

Hadley would not betray an old friend.

I don't trust that man, I told the officer, and urged him to clap the handcuffs on him.

But Giles only smiled.

When we reached Muskogee, I shook hands with my newly found friend and told him goodbye.

Giles was a man who invited your confidence, and I liked him very much.

As I left the train at Muskogee, I again warned him to watch Hadley.

The next morning I heard of the tragedy.

If I had not left the train at Muskogee, I too might

...